Africa faces rapid urbanization, has the second highest population growth rate, makes up one-fifth of the world's youth population, and experiences stagnant rates of undernutrition. These challenges point to the need for country-specific data on rural-urban health disparities to inform development policies. This cross-sectional study examined disparities in body mass index-for-age-and-sex (BAZ) and height-for-age-and-sex z-scores (HAZ) among 1125 adolescents in Tanzania. Rural-urban disparities in nutritional status were significant and gendered. Findings confirm place of residence as a key determinant of BAZ, HAZ, and stunting among adolescents in Tanzania. Targeted gender-sensitive interventions among adolescents, particularly in rural areas, are needed to limit growth faltering and improve health outcomes.
Africa faces rapid urbanization, has the second highest population growth rate, makes up one-fifth of the world's youth population, and experiences stagnant rates of undernutrition. These challenges point to the need for country-specific data on rural-urban health disparities to inform development policies. This cross-sectional study examined disparities in body mass index-for-age-and-sex (BAZ) and height-for-age-and-sex z-scores (HAZ) among 1125 adolescents in Tanzania. Pearson's chi-square tested associations between rural/urban residence and undernutrition (BAZ \<-2SD), stunting (HAZ \<-2SD), anthropometric, socioeconomic, and health indicators. Multivariate linear regression identified predictors of BAZ and HAZ. Funding: UNICEF/ Tanzania; United States National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH66801).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
1,125
Cross-sectional study/no intervention.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
Body Mass Index for age and gender z-scores
Weight (Kg)/Height (M) squared compared to the WHO growth reference standard
Time frame: Two measures collected consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration.
Height for age and gender z-scores
Height in meters for age and gender compared to the WHO growth reference standard
Time frame: Two measures collected consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration.
Undernutrition
Body Mass Index for age and gender z-scores \< -2SD of the WHO growth reference standard
Time frame: Height and weight measures collected twice consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration.
Stunting
Height (M) for age and gender z-scores \< -2SD of the WHO growth reference
Time frame: Two measures of height in meters collected consequentially during a 30 minute time frame on the date of survey administration.
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